Why Cairns, Townsville, rugby league clubs should join forces

If there was ever a chance to experiment with a new format for rugby league, or introduce new contests which span regions, now is the time.

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If there was ever a chance to experiment with a new format for rugby league, or introduce new contests which span regions, now is the time.

Cairns District Rugby League cancelled the senior competition at a meeting on June 1, though three clubs and the Northern Pride have held talks about running some form of rugby league in the second half of the year.

RUGBY LEAGUE LEFT RED-FACED BY LACK OF ACTION

Now, Townsville District Rugby League clubs have cancelled their season, decided at a meeting on Monday night.

There’s nothing to lose: get the remaining clubs together for a competition.

At least one high-ranking official in Townsville has already told the Cairns Post they’re interested in exploring a format which could see games played in Cairns, Townsville, and Tully.

Brothers Cairns and Brothers Townsville already face off in pre-season games, but could the coronavirus allow them to play in the same competition for one season? PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

Whether it’s a home-and-away format, gala days in the three centres with different playing formats, or some other idea, officials have a blank canvas.

With restrictions easing to allow crowds, it could be the perfect money-spinner in a season most have already written off thanks to the coronavirus.

But it doesn’t mean rugby league should take a back seat and potentially lose ground as their biggest rivals prepare for and play through their own seasons.

CDRL OPEN DOOR TO STUNNING BACKFLIP

Brothers Cairns, Tully Tigers and Ivanhoe Knights have expressed interest in playing this year, so why not pair them with a few keen Townsville clubs for a Cup-style contest.

Imagine the Brothers clubs of Cairns and Townsville, who generally meet in pre-season games, clashing in a contest which could some way to deciding the premiers in one of the craziest seasons on record.

Or the Tigers of Tully coming up against the Centrals Tigers; likewise for Ivanhoes Knights and Western Lions.

Of course, there will be hurdles.

Cairns Brothers’ Luke Fleming is tackled by Townsville David Musumeci as he scores a try PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

Travel isn’t cheap, so there’d need to be some thought put into how long road trips would be managed.

The four-hour trip back from either Cairns or Townsville isn’t always fun, but could be the perfect bonding experience for players.

Whether they’re full games, played in a Nines format, a series of gala days or whatever league bosses prefer; there must be some rugby league this year.

With a licence to think outside the box, there's never been a more exciting year for the sport - if the powers that be turn the massive setbacks into a positive.

Originally published as Why Cairns, Townsville, rugby league clubs should join forces